Chrome Hill and adjacent Parkhouse Hill (also known as Dragons Back) in the Peak District are a series of limestone reef knolls, creating a unique landscape and an even more fun one to explore! This route is just for Chrome Hill circular walk but you can easily (and most commonly) take in Parkhouse Hill at the same time.
Route Details:
Length – 4.9km
Approx time – 1hr 30m – 2hrs
Parking – Hollinsclough SK17 0RQ (as always please be mindful of local residents)
Directions:
Your starting point is in the small village of Hollinsclough, before entering the village there’s a section on the side of the road where you can safely park your car on the verge (allowing cars to pass).
Make your way through the village, passing the Chapel Tearooms on your left, sadly the tearoom is shut during the week and so we didn’t get to pop in, their normal opening hours are Saturday and Sunday 9am – 5pm. As you continue up the road, look out for the footpath on your right.
Following the trail on the right side of the field where you will eventually be able to cross the footbridge over the stream. Go through the metal gate and turn left.
The path is very easy to follow with a slight incline, go through the metal gate, joining a wider track.
You’ll end up passing the odd house and farm, stop and admire the view!
The route is taking you around Hollins Hill. As you reach Booth Farm (noted on the map) the track leads onto the road, go over the cattle grid and head for the stile on your right.
Walk across the next few fields, keeping to the boundary wall as you go. You will need to go through three gates, after the third gate, head downhill at the wooden signpost.
Rolling optional!
As you get to the bottom of this section you’ll come across a gate and a sign saying ‘Concession Path’
Follow the track where you’ll reach another gate and the start of the last ascent of Chrome Hill (the fun part!).
We opted for the up and over options, which is more of a scramble. There is an alternative route to the left which is isn’t as scrambly. You can just about see it on the left side of the image below.
Follow the ridge line till you reach the summit of Chrome Hill, there’s no obvious markers here so make the best of your summit shot the best you can!
Once you’ve reached the summit of Chrome Hill, continue along the ridge where you will see Parkhouse Hill. The descent is quite grassy (so might be slippy when wet) but before you know it you’ll have reached the lone tree.
As you can see from the picture above, the path is easy to follow past the tree, following a much smaller ridge line (Dragon’s Back) until you reach the road at the bottom.
At this point you can continue your route up Parkhouse Hill or take the well marked path back to Hollinsclough.
We didn’t do Parkhouse Hill this time but if you did want to do this, take a look at this detailed route for Parkhouse Hill.
The walk back to Hollingsclough is very straightforward and if you’re lucky you might come across a small cafe along the way.
For more walks in the Peak District, why not try these?
